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The Magic of Intercultural Communication to

Achieve Project Success

Yawen Brown

September 19, 2016

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Introduction

Yawen Brown

18 Years of Experience in Technology

Currently:

Senior Project Manager, Kansas City Southern

PMI Kansas City Mid-America Chapter

PMI Global Technology Advisory Group

PMI Global Leadership Institute Alumni

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Introduction

Kansas City

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Culture

• What is culture?

– “The beliefs, customs, behaviors, arts, etc., of a particular society,

group, place, or time”

– “A way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or

organization (such as a business)”

Source: merriam-webster.com

Example: The School That Turned Chinese:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYGxAwRUpaI

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What Does This Mean?

Be open to the world… This is to understand the local subtleties.

Alarm Clock Animal Fighting

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What Contributes To Cultural Differences?

Country

Region

Company

Family

Personal

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Common Challenges of Culturally Diverse Team

• Miscommunications

• Lack of understanding of each other’s culture

• Making assumptions based on common cultural identity

• Expecting others to adapt

• Not fully engaging all members of the team

Video for Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDq9-QxvsNU

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Cultural Intelligence – Fun Fact

What the British say:

“That is a very brave

proposal.”

What they really mean:

“You are insane.”

What others think:

“That’s great. They like it.”

Data Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/sungardas/2014/08/14/lost-in-translation-overcoming-the-language-

barrier-as-a-brit-in-america/#662ea0e95c43

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Cultural Intelligence

Know

Aware

Learn

Adapt

An outsider’s natural ability to understand others’ unfamiliar gestures /

behaviors!

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Cultural Intelligence – Business Etiquette

• Greetings

• Use of Language

• Research

• Be Open Minded

Know/Aware

Learn/Adapt

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Cultural Intelligence – Business Etiquette

• Meeting Management

Time & Sense of Urgency

Participation Norms

Small Talks / Conversations

• Set Expectation (i.e. Pre-meeting)

• Use Meeting Agenda

• Clarify Action Items

Know/Aware

Learn/Adapt

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Cultural Intelligence – Communications

• Communication Styles and Patterns

Outspoken vs. Soft-spoken

High vs. Low Context

Direct vs. Indirect

Body Language & Showing Emotions

Face to face, verbal or written

• Clarify to Avoid Misunderstanding

• Confirm: What I Hear = What You Said

• Does YES really mean agreement?

• Surface Disagreements

• Set Protocol: Ask for Communication Preference

Know/Aware

Learn/Adapt

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Cultural Intelligence - Life Style

• Work, Family, Social Habits

Work Hours

Holidays

Differences in Priority

Know/Aware

Learn/Adapt

• Understand the different way of living and priorities

• Show respect

• Establish connection

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Cultural Intelligence – Bring It All Together

• Be flexible

• Set the expectation

• Find the common ground

• Make the connection

• Encourage participation

• Establish clear communication protocol

• Ask questions and surface disagreements

• Give timely feedback

Learn/Adapt